Haslam's Medicaid Decision Bad Economics

Not only will Bill Haslam's current stance on Medicaid Expansion (he's not doing unless he can play by his rules) hurt working Tennesseans who most need access to health care, it also doesn't make sense from an economic standpoint.

Staunch conservative governors like Jan Brewer of Arizona and John Kasich of Ohio are moving to expand Medicaid as part of the Affordable Care Act.  They know it makes good economic sense and will help the people of their states.

But Bill Haslam fears the far right of his own party and so has engaged in the ultimate waffle -- making no decision yet while saying he's willing to make a decision eventually if he gets what he says he wants.

A new study released by the Rand Corporation (again, a fairly conservative outfit) suggests that it is in the best interests of states to expand the program -- not only from a public health perspective, but also from an economic one. 

House Democratic Leader Craig Fitzhugh (a possible candidate for Governor) has been challenging Haslam on the Medicaid expansion issue. Essentially, Fitzhugh's asking when we will know if Haslam's conditions have been met.  So far, no word from the Haslam camp.

If Medicaid is not expanded, thousands of working Tennesseans who get sick may face bankruptcy, the loss of homes, and financial ruin. Some rural hospitals may close or offer less services. The decision doesn't just impact those who would get the health care under expansion, it could have far-reaching consequences for the entire state. 

As more and more Tennesseans support the idea of Medicaid expansion, this could also become a politically bad decision for Haslam.  Maybe then, he'll do the right thing. 

Fitzhugh Continues to Challenge Haslam

Sounding more and more like a candidate for Governor, state House Democratic Leader Craig Fitzhugh this week challenged Governor Bill Haslam on Medicaid expansion.

This on the heels of last week's attack by Fitzhugh on Haslam's mismanagement of state government.

In consecutive weeks, Fitzhugh has highlighted Haslam's scandalous mismanagement of state agencies and then attacked him as out of step with working Tennesseans by getting it wrong on Medicaid expansion.

Fitzhugh would likely be a solid challenger to Haslam.  He represents a rural district and has proven business acumen as a banker/lawyer.  He's a bright and accomplished legislator who, unlike Haslam, actually understands how state government works. 

Right now, he appears to be the most likely challenger to Haslam.  No timeline has been set for any announcement, though state Democratic Party Chair Roy Herron suggests announcements in the Governor's race and in the race to take on Sen. Lamar Alexander will be coming "soon."